Responsible Horse riding in Tameside
Horse riding in Tameside is a very popular activity, whether on public roads or bridleways. Tameside Council and their Countryside Service are constantly improving facilities and try to promote safe and sensible riding in the borough.
Are you riding responsibly?
Riding routes are valuable to the community. They may be part of a nature trail, historic site or memory lane!
Bridleways are for use by horse riders, cyclists, pedestrians and their dogs, but footpaths are open to pedestrians only.
Further information on responsible horse riding, safety and access can be found at www.bhs.org.uk 
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Responsibility to land and natural heritage
Straying from the path can cause damage to wildlife habitats and archaeology. Horses hooves can damage and erode path surfaces, particularly in wet weather.
Please do not damage fences or hedges by jumping. When you pass through gates, make sure they are closed behind you.
The Countryside Service or landowner is to be consulted about any organised event and no permanent markers are allowed. Riders that cause damage may be liable to prosecution.
Responsibility to other people
As you approach walkers, call out to make your presence known. Remember that other users of the countryside may be elderly, disabled, children, or just simply afraid of horses.
In the interests of safety do not gallop or canter around sites and walk when passing other users.
If riding in a group, make sure you ride in sensible numbers, ride no more than two abreast and in single file on narrow paths.
Safety
Remember that you have to take responsibility for your own actions. Take care of your own safety and that of others.
Be seen and be safe. Wear protective headgear and fluorescent clothing when appropriate.
Legislation
Horses can be ridden on bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic, but not on footpaths. Horse drawn carriages can only be driven on restricted byways and byways, and some public paths. It may also be possible to ride on permissive or licensed routes on council and privately owned land. Riding routes may be marked with blue (bridleway), purple (restricted byway) or red (byway) arrows or signposted.
Download your copy of Responsible Horse riding in Tameside 
Tameside’s Countryside Service receive reports of riders straying off bridleways and galloping, causing damage to paths and vegetation. These riders put other path users safety at risk.
Although the majority are responsible riders, a few irresponsible individuals can give other riders a bad name.
You can report any incidents to Tameside’s Countryside Service and further investigations may be made by the police.
For more information on horse riding in Tameside’s Countryside, please contact:
Contact information
The Stables
Park Bridge
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 8AQ